I'm in a newly created training role which requires a ton of travel (e.g. 8 weeks in a row, home on weekends). Travel is international & domestic, budgets are very very tight (economy seats, $150 for hotel in most cities). The role was not advertised as 90-100% travel and my company is open to my suggestions. Question for the group is: What is reasonable travel? What are some travel policies/guidelines that you've seen work at other organizations?
I think you answered your own question OP... If the job you applied for did not specify this much travel, if during the interviews you were not clued in on this much travel by the hiring manager or the team - then something is smelly. Any company that makes me travel (Microsoft included) better at least have a liberal expense policy and decent guidelines for meals, hotels, client meals, etc. You are trading your time away from home, from family/friends and your personal life to go to these company commitments. There should be a balance
I agree with Chawks. I travel for MSFT 17+ business days a month. My boss is pretty reasonable as is corporate as long as the hotel and flights are "green " in concur. They realize I'm living half my life away from my family and the least they can do is not try to jam my 6'2" tail in an economy seat and a room at the bedbug inn. You may want to rethink the position
If the travel is not booked by the company, at least get a credit card that gives you points for traveling. That way you'll be able to feel good about the points you're accumulating from extended stays at the bedbug inn. That being said, that's still a disgusting amount of business travel, especially if you have to do it at discount hotels. Is there a particular reason why you're not considering other positions?
There is no such thing as too much. You will miss the earnings, room service, and food when you stop.
Not too much until you reach top tier status on 3+ airlines.